About Montrose

The History of Montrose

The first settlers came to the Uncompahgre Valley in the 1870s but legally could not purchase land until after September 1881, when the Ute Indians were relocated to a reservation in Utah. The first stake was driven in December of 1881. Montrose officially became a town in 1882. The town was known by the names of Pomona, Dad’s Town, Uncompahgre Town, and several other names, before it finally came to be known as “Montrose.” Joseph Selig suggested the name “Montrose” after a favorite character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, The Legend of Montrose. 
The town of Montrose was founded originally to provide supplies to nearby mining communities. With the mines’ decline, agriculture soon took over as the major economy. In addition to raising livestock, settlers worked the fertile valley soil producing fruits, grains, and vegetables. The Gunnison Tunnel, constructed to provide vital irrigation water to the Uncompahgre River Valley, opened in 1909. Its inauguration was highlighted by the visit of President Taft and signaled the beginning of a new era of agricultural production in Montrose.
 

In 1882, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Company built its narrow gauge mainline railroad through Montrose on its way from Denver to Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1890 the D&RGRR completed its standard gauge railroad from Denver to Grand Junction, leaving Montrose on the narrow gauge from Salida to Grand Junction and Ouray. In 1906, the track from Grand Junction to Montrose was changed from narrow gauge to standard gauge. 
 The same strategic location that led to Montrose becoming a hub for transportation and commerce at its founding still serves as an asset today. Although much has changed since the city’s beginning in 1882, Montrose continues as a thriving gateway to the many wonders of western Colorado.